S2 or 3 information

[chrishew]

I am so sick of my Lotus letting me down I am going to get rid and am considering buying an S2 or S3.
I havn't driven one yet and am trying to find out a bit more about them. They seem to be a lot of car for the money.
Can I have your opinions on these cars? Road holding, reliability, parts prices and availability, weak points, upratability etc.
Thanks,
Chris

[SS2.]

chrishew said:

Road holding

Depends on the suspension fitted and how its been set-up, I reckon. Mine had its original shocks and springs when I bought her and handling was not its strong point. I fitted new kit all round and, despite the fact it was never professionally setup, she became a new car.

chrishew said:

reliability, parts prices and availability

Look after her and she'll look after you. Considering that the S is 15-20 years old now, then they can be considered more reliable than most. Mine has never let me down. The reliability of the marque probably bears testament to the fact that owners are enthusiasts who constantly fettle their P&Js

The (V6) S is based mostly on Ford parts which are are readliy available, even from the local breakers yard. Most repairs / maintenance are within the capabilities of your average home mechanic. If an owner is not so DIY inclined, simple electrics and mechanicals means that the S can be serviced / repaired by just about any garage (ie does not require to be a TVR specialist).

chrishew said:

weak points

The S is getting on a bit now and the condition of the chassis is paramount. Worth giving it a thorough check (or inspected) before parting with any hard earned - particularly the outriggers (just behind the front and rear wheels).

chrishew said:

upratability

Tuning options are limited on the Ford 2.9 V6. If you feel you need more grunt that a standard 2.9 can offer, then it may be cheaper to consider buying a V8 S than trying to wring another 30 or 40 bhp out of the V6.

Some owners have fitted 24V Cosworth engines into their S but I suspect this was more a labour of love / challenge than a cost effective power upgrade (awaits to be flamed).

[MrLtic]

they are generaly reliable with cheap and easy to source parts, maek sure the chassis is ok but that can easily be inspected. They are very quick for 16-17 year old cars. The S3 has longer doors, for easier access but the S2 has a much better interior, everything else is the same between the 2 models.

[Roy C]

www.tvrsseries.com/

[Phil C]

Buy one, buy one, buy one. Just sold my S3 and now got a Griffith - but I still miss the 'S'.

Personally I'd suggest getting any car you are considering inspected by someone who really knows TVR's - either an established indie garage or someone like Rob Ingleby.

Rob sourced my S3 and I never regretted it.

Chassis condition is absolutely key. Then history, crazing/general appearance of bodywork then electrical niggles. Obviously you want to ensure the mechanicals are in reasonable nick but even a replacement 2.9 Ford engine is probably going to be a lot cheaper than any siginificant chassis work.....

Personally I think the 'S' is one of the the best sports car bargains currently on the market.....but I am biased....

BTW: insurance is really reasonable too on a classic policy.....

[petclub]

Hi Chris, I'm not too far from you, if you want to come over and have a go in an S2 and V8s, email me. I've just bought a cerb and am coming under (very unreasonable!) pressure to consider selling the S2. Dave

[Hoover.]

petclub said:

Hi Chris, I'm not too far from you, if you want to come over and have a go in an S2 and V8s, email me. I've just bought a cerb and am coming under (very unreasonable!) pressure to consider selling the S2. Dave

jealous want your garage/drive

[clarenceboddiger]

Phil C said:

Buy one, buy one, buy one.
Personally I think the 'S' is one of the the best sports car bargains currently on the market.....but I am biased....

BTW: insurance is really reasonable too on a classic policy.....

Fully agree, Ive now dumped the MG BGT V8s (Ive kept the engine though), Midgets, etc and beleive me the S is far far superior as a sports car/Hobby and I may be being lucky but I dont find it that much dearer to run.

[petclub]

Hi Hoover, sorry....

[Hoover.]

petclub said:

Hi Hoover, sorry....

don't be sorry ..... ENJOY before the other half get too vocal

Edited by Hoover. on Thursday 22 March 07:45

[longers]

Chris, YHM